What Foreigners Should Know Before Making Cuenca Home

Cuenca has a particular way of winning people over. It is not a perfect city, but it offers something that can be difficult to find: a slower pace of life, beautiful historic architecture, nature close by and a size that allows you to enjoy the city without feeling overwhelmed by it.

It is no surprise that in recent years Cuenca has become an attractive destination for foreigners, especially people looking to retire or begin a new chapter in their lives.

As a local architect, one of the questions I hear most often is: Where should I live? And my answer is almost always: it depends on how you want to live.

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Choosing the Right Neighborhood in Cuenca

For many foreigners, Ordóñez Lasso and Puertas del Sol are among the first areas they discover. There is a visible international community here, which is why some people informally refer to the area as “Gringolandia.” There are modern buildings, restaurants, supermarkets, services and a pleasant location along the river.

For someone who has just arrived in Ecuador, being close to other foreigners can make the transition much easier.

But Cuenca is much more than that.

The Historic Center offers a completely different experience. Living there means being surrounded by architecture, plazas, churches, markets, cafés and everyday city life. For someone who enjoys walking and wants to feel connected to the city, it can be wonderful.

However, historic properties can also come with limitations when it comes to remodeling, so make sure you understand the regulations before you buy.

Other areas in Cuenca appealing for property investment, such as El Vergel, Yanuncay, Challuabamba and San Joaquín, offer different ways of living, from quiet residential neighborhoods to larger homes with gardens and land.

If you really want to get away from the city, look at the quintas and country homes around Cuenca, in places such as Yunguilla, Tarqui, Paute and Deleg. Life there is completely different, with more nature, trees, gardens and privacy, and a slower pace of life.

This is something I hear more and more from foreigners: “I don’t want an apartment. I want a house with a garden, trees and space.” And I completely understand that.

But with a rural property, it is important to look beyond the beautiful house and landscape. Before buying, you should understand the land, access, utilities, documentation, regulations and what you can realistically remodel or build. Speak to a trusted real estate agent in Cuenca and discuss with them first.

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What Does it Cost to Live in Cuenca?

Cuenca is still relatively affordable compared with many cities in the United States, Canada or Europe, although prices vary considerably depending on the neighborhood, size and type of property.

If you are renting in Cuenca, you can find apartments from around $400 to $600 per month, depending on the location and what you are looking for. Furnished apartments usually cost more. In a desirable area, expect to pay around $600 to $900 per month for a comfortable furnished apartment, and high-end options can cost even more.

Basic utilities and internet cost around $60 to $100 per month, depending on consumption. Groceries, transportation and entertainment vary greatly depending on your lifestyle.

So when someone asks me, “How much does it cost to live in Cuenca?”, there is no single answer. The neighborhood and the way you choose to live make a big difference.

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Why You Need a Trusted Local When Looking for Property in Cuenca

I also think it is important to avoid one common generalization: “Everything is expensive because foreigners arrived.” The reality is more complicated. Construction costs, land values, demand and the city’s overall growth have also changed.

And from my experience helping foreigners find housing, I think it is equally important to remember that being a foreigner does not mean having an unlimited budget.

I have helped people look for apartments, compare options, speak with owners and negotiate rental prices. I have also helped foreigners inspect properties they have purchased, oversee the handover process, and understand regulations when purchasing land or planning a remodel or construction.

Many people do not simply need someone to show them properties. They need a local person they can trust and ask honestly: “What do you think about this place?”

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How an Architect Can Help You Find a Home in Cuenca

That is where my experience as an architect can also make a difference. I have been practicing architecture for more than ten years, and I lived in Madrid for some time, where I completed a Master’s degree in Construction and Architectural Technology, while also having the opportunity to visit and experience different countries.

Living outside Ecuador also allowed me to understand what it means to adapt to a new place and learn how to navigate a different culture.

Being passionate about neuroarchitecture has led me toward a more empathetic approach to architecture, one that considers not only how a space looks, but also how it can influence the mental health, well-being and quality of life of the people who live in it.

Ultimately, it all comes back to the same purpose: continuing to learn and finding better ways to help people find, transform or create a place they can truly feel at home.

But above all, if there is one thing I have learned from helping foreigners find their place in Cuenca, it is that you do not always need someone who has all the answers. Sometimes, you simply need someone you can trust, ask without hesitation, and feel is genuinely on your side.

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This is just one piece of the puzzle. For everything else on buying and living in Cuenca, check out my complete Cuenca Property & Relocation Guide.